How can Ms. Henry best ensure a productive meeting with a parent who is concerned about the workload in her class?

Listening to the parent's concerns and explaining the reasons for assigning work is crucial in fostering a productive dialogue. This approach allows Ms. Henry to validate the parent's feelings, showing that she values their input and is willing to engage in a meaningful conversation. By taking the time to understand the specific worries the parent has about the workload, Ms. Henry can address those concerns directly.

Moreover, explaining the rationale behind her assignments helps to demystify her teaching practices and can alleviate some of the parent's anxiety. This transparency not only builds trust between Ms. Henry and the parent but also reinforces the importance of the assignments in the context of the child's learning objectives.

This interaction sets a collaborative tone, encouraging a partnership between the teacher and the parent aimed at supporting the child's education, rather than a confrontational stance that could arise from simply defending her teaching methods or dismissing the parent's concerns. This is vital in creating a positive and supportive educational environment.